We were invited out by INUA Collection to visit the new voco Belfast venue. What we like and what sets Belfast apart is its affordability. In comparison to larger metropolitan cities like London or Dublin, Belfast offers exceptional value for money without compromising on quality. Whether it's accommodation, dining, or venue hire, businesses can optimize their budgets while still providing a premium experience for attendees.
Choosing Belfast for your corporate events offers a unique blend of convenience, culture, and business-friendly amenities. The city has something for every delegate and conference organiser whether it’s innovative research centres, exceptional local hospitality or rich cultural heritage.
Key Facts on Belfast for Events:
Accessible Location
Well-connected City: Belfast is easily accessible via two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport, with direct flights to major cities in the UK, Europe, and beyond.
Compact Size: The city's compact layout allows quick access to venues, hotels, and attractions, making logistics effortless.
High-Quality Venues
Modern Conference Facilities: Belfast boasts state-of-the-art venues like ICC Belfast, a purpose-built conference centre for large-scale corporate gatherings.
Unique Spaces: Choose from historic settings like Belfast Castle or iconic landmarks like the Titanic Belfast, offering stunning backdrops for events.
Cost-Effective Destination
Compared to larger cities like London or Dublin, Belfast offers competitive rates for accommodation, venues, and services, ensuring excellent value for money.
Memorable Team-Building Opportunities
Engaging Activities: From Titanic-themed tours to outdoor adventures in the nearby Causeway Coast, Belfast offers diverse activities for team bonding.
Rich Culture: Explore historic pubs, world-class restaurants, and traditional music, making your corporate event an immersive cultural experience.
Sustainability Credentials
Belfast is committed to sustainable tourism, with many eco-certified venues and initiatives promoting green practices.
By choosing Belfast, your corporate event can combine professional goals with cultural enrichment, creating a memorable and productive experience for all attendees.
The New voco Belfast - Our Host Hotel:
voco Belfast located in the heart of the Gasworks business park, offers a versatile range of facilities tailored for corporate events. The hotel features seven flexible meeting rooms, all equipped with natural daylight and high-quality audio visual equipment, accommodating up to 150 delegates. With 120 contemporary guest rooms, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site parking and is well-suited for corporate events.
Being situated in the historic Gasworks district, within walking distance to the heart of Belfast city centre, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The largest function room spans 517 square meters, providing flexibility to tailor packages to individual needs.
Overall, voco Belfast combines modern facilities, exceptional service, and a strategic location, making it a strong option for hosting corporate events in the city.
Group Activities for Groups:
Team-building opportunities in Belfast are second to none. The city’s rich history, diverse culinary scene, and close proximity to natural wonders like the Causeway Coast allow organizers to craft activities that foster collaboration and creativity. Options range from food tours in St George’s Market to outdoor adventures that leverage the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland.
The Black Taxi Peace Wall Tour in Belfast is a unique and insightful way to explore the city’s complex history, particularly its political and cultural conflicts during "The Troubles." These tours are conducted by experienced local guides, many of whom have lived through the period, and provide a personal perspective on the events and their impact on Belfast.
Highlights of the Tour:
Peace Walls: See the iconic Peace Walls that separate Catholic and Protestant communities. Visitors often have the opportunity to write messages of hope and peace on the walls.
Murals: The tour includes stops at famous political murals that depict key historical events, community struggles, and calls for peace.
Shankill Road and Falls Road: Learn about the histories of these two areas, significant to the Unionist and Nationalist communities, respectively.
Personal Stories: Guides often share personal experiences and anecdotes, giving a human touch to the historical narrative.
Key Sites: Stops may include the Crumlin Road Gaol, Milltown Cemetery, and other significant landmarks tied to Belfast’s history.
This tour is a must for anyone seeking to understand Belfast’s past and its ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
We took part in the Taste and Tour 3-hour grazing-style Belfast Brunch Tour in the city's finest quirky cafes, restaurants and bars.
5 different venues (yes that’s right…a five-course brunch). Leave your cares and your car at home and we’ll enjoy a few brunch cocktails along the way.
Starting at St George's Market is one of Belfast's most iconic landmarks and a must-visit destination it's an amazing journey through all of Belfast's variety of cuisines.
Belfast offers several corporate food tour options that provide engaging and immersive culinary experiences for business groups. These tours not only offer a chance to savour local cuisine but also serve as excellent team-building activities, providing insights into Belfast's rich culinary heritage.
When planning a corporate food tour, it's advisable to contact the providers directly to discuss your group's specific needs, preferences, and any dietary requirements. This ensures a customized experience that aligns with your corporate objectives.
We had an amazing cookery school experience with renowned local chef Niall McKenna (Great British Menu). Held at his Waterman House venue, we were shown how to prepare and cook a fantastic Scallop starter. After which Niall himself prepared the rest of our amazing dinner and we discussed all things Northern Ireland cuisine and his career, over a glass of wine (or two!)
Other Event Venues:
The city’s venues cater to a wide range of event needs, from large-scale conferences at ICC Belfast to intimate gatherings in historic settings like Belfast Castle or the iconic Titanic Belfast.
ICC Belfast is Northern Ireland's only purpose-built international convention centre boasting over two decades of experience in delivering world-class events. These spaces are equipped with modern amenities and are adaptable for bespoke setups, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of any corporate event.
Or you could take in a show or sporting event at SCC Belfast. We had UB40 in town during our stay. So it was only right that we popped down to watch their gig!
Summary
Belfast is a city that effortlessly blends professionalism with culture, creating a truly unique destination for corporate events. Its accessibility ensures that delegates from around the world can reach the city with ease, while its compact size simplifies logistics, allowing organizers to focus on delivering a successful event rather than worrying about transportation and time management.
Belfast is more than just a destination—it’s an opportunity to combine business objectives with cultural enrichment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Let's discuss how Belfast can work for your next conference, forum or incentive event. Get in touch, we’d be more than happy to talk through it with you.
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